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Over 1,600 journalists attended #GIJC23 in September. There was much to be learnt about how to be more effective reporters. The Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2023, hosted in Gothenburg, Sweden in September, was probably the largest and most diverse gathering of investigative reporters in history, with over 1,660 delegates drawn from 144 countries. Reporters …
Mbongeni Ngema’s work moved audiences around the world
President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined South Africans from across the country in offering their condolences to the family, friends and associates of cultural stalwart, Dr Mbongeni Ngema.
Ngema lost his life in a vehicle accident on Wednesday.
“His masterfully creative narration of our liberation struggle honoured the humanity of oppressed South Africans and exposed the inhumanity of an oppressive regime.
“The many productions he created or to which he contributed inspired resilience and pride among us as fellow South Africans and took South Africa and our continent into the theatres, homes and consciousness of millions of people around the world. May his soul rest in peace,” said President Ramaphosa.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa, who has also expressed his condolences, said the Ngema family had confirmed that he passed away in a car accident on Wednesday.
Born in the town of Verulam in KwaZulu-Natal, Ngema’s work touched and moved audiences around the world and made an important contribution in telling the South African story, said the Minister.
His work was internationally acclaimed, receiving Tony Award nominations for Asinamali and Sarafina. Ngema also received Grammy Award nominations through his work in Sarafina and The Lion King. A testament to his artistic talent, Ngema also acted in film, appearing in the film adaptation of Sarafina and the Oscar-nominated film Yesterday.
Locally, Ngema received several accolades such as Lifetime Achievement Awards at the South African Music Awards (SAMAS) and the Naledi Theatre Awards.
Ngema also contributed greatly to the development of creative arts in communities through his collaboration with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and its agencies such as the Playhouse Company.
“With the passing of Dr Mbongeni Ngema, South Africa has lost one of its great playwrights, composers, lyricists, directors and musicians. Dr Ngema’s work was celebrated in South Africa and internationally,” said the Minister.
He said at a critical time in the liberation struggle against apartheid, Ngema took the plays Woza Albert, Asinamali and Sarafina to international stages.
The productions not only showcased South African talent, but also narrated to the world the experiences of South Africans who were ostracised and brutalised under apartheid.
“In the democratic years, Dr Ngema’s works would reflect the mood, hopes, joy and challenges of life in democratic South Africa.
“Whether it was through the defiant songs in Sarafina, the determination expressed in songs such as Lizobuya, or the exuberance of songs such as Stimela sase Zola, Dr Ngema’s work did much to foster social cohesion and to express critical moments of South African history through the arts,” said Kodwa.
He described the passing of Ngema as a significant loss to South African arts.
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Nomusa Dube-Ncube has expressed her deep sadness at the passing of Madlokovu, as Mbongeni was affectionately referred to by his clan name.
Kwazulu-Natal acting MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Sipho Hlomuka, has acknowledged the immense impact of the untimely passing of Ngema.
He said the South African and global entertainment scene, theatre, arts and culture have been dealt a heavy blow.
In his tribute, Hlomuka celebrated Ngema as an iconic figure—a larger-than-life personality known for his flamboyance, vibrancy, occasional controversy, and fearless expression of views.
The MEC condemned the prevalence of road accidents “robbing society of such influential figures who contribute significantly to social cohesion and the arts” and urged motorists to continue to be cautious on the roads. - SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Thu, 12/28/2023 - 10:24
Food is a unique storyteller, a cultural bridge and a carrier of traditions. As a result, the culinary traditions and rich tapestry of cuisines belonging to the global Black community have played a valuable role in contemporary culture. These traditions not only illustrate the inspiration, creativity and shared heritage of Black people, but also serve as a common thread that connects diverse cultures and geographies. From the shores of West Africa to the vibrant streets of the Caribbean, the flavors, techniques and dishes of the African diaspora have transcended borders, uniting people from across the globe. The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) — which unites and celebrates the achievements of the global Black community on February 27, 2024 in Dubai — will explore the influence of the African diaspora on a wide range of industries, such as the culinary arts.
Africa: The Roots of Flavor
An exploration into the culinary heritage of the global Black community begins with the roots of African cuisine. The continent's diverse landscape and myriad cultures have given rise to a vast array of ingredients, cooking methods and flavors. In West Africa, staples like yams, okra, plantains and an array of vibrant spices are central to the local cuisine, with traditional local dishes including Jollof rice, Fufu – made from cassava root – and Egusi soup. In South Africa, the fusion dish Bobotie – a spiced minced meat bake with an egg-based topping – reflects the country's historical influences, blending Dutch, Malay and Indian flavors. Central Africa contributes to this culinary tapestry with dishes like Saka-Saka in Congo, made from cassava leaves cooked with spices, and Poulet Nyembwe in Gabon, featuring chicken in a rich red palm nut sauce. These dishes highlight the use of local ingredients and establish the roots of traditional African cuisines across regions.
The African Diaspora and a Fusion of Cultures
Starting from the 16th century, the transatlantic slave trade facilitated the movement of millions of Africans to various parts of the world, including the Americas and the Caribbean. These journeys brought with them longstanding culinary traditions, which over time, evolved and adapted to the ingredients and resources found locally, while preserving the foundations of authentic cooking methods and flavors.
In the Caribbean, the fusion of African, indigenous and European culinary traditions and techniques gave birth to Creole cuisine. Dishes like Gumbo — a hearty stew served over rice and Callaloo — a leafy green stew — showcase the rich melding of influences. They tell the story of a resilient people who had to adapt and create new traditions, while preserving their roots. In the United States, African Americans developed Soul Food, a cuisine that celebrates their enduring connection to their African heritage. Dishes like collard greens, a flavorful leafy green dish, cornbread and fried chicken, stand apart from traditional African dishes. Yet they provide more than just sustenance; they serve as a celebration of cultural resilience, warmth, protection and identity.
The influence of the African diaspora on global cuisine is undeniable. Dishes like Acarajé in Brazil – a stuffed fritter sold and eaten as street food – finds its roots in the Yoruba people from Nigeria, Benin and Togo, while Ackee and saltfish – Jamaica's national dish – was initially brought to the Caribbean from Ghana and stems from the name for the Akyem people. These examples reflect how the diaspora has enriched culinary traditions around the world and are a testament to its enduring impact on food and culture.
Pioneers and Innovators in the Culinary World
Throughout history, pioneering Black chefs have broken barriers in the culinary world. In the US, renowned chefs like Edna Lewis and Patrick Clark paved the way for the next generation of Black chefs to innovate and shape the world of food. Chef Marcus Samuelsson, an Ethiopian-born Swedish-American, is renowned for his culinary empire that spans from Harlem to Sweden. Kwame Onwuachi, a Nigerian-American chef, has left his mark on the culinary scene with a background that includes training in the world's top kitchens. Sheldon Simeon, a Filipino-Black chef, celebrates the fusion of two cultures by exploring the ancestral roots of Hawaiian cuisine.
GBIS 2024 strives to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black individuals across industries, with a view to creating a more diverse and inclusive professional landscape. Just as culinary traditions continue to evolve and innovate, the Summit aims to unleash the full potential of the global Black community and explore the vast array of traditions and heritage associated with the African diaspora.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Global Black Impact Summit:
The Global Black Impact Summit is an annual event that serves to celebrate the achievements of the Black community, promote excellence and explore untapped potential across various fields. The 2024 summit is set to be a transformative experience, featuring influential speakers, engaging panel discussions and networking opportunities that enable delegates to reach new heights. To secure your spot at this prestigious gathering, register promptly at www.GlobalBlackImpact.com.
They come from different countries and regions of the globe and have distinct experiences that have shaped their young lives. But Irfaan, Aiki, Soufiane, Dejana, Maselina, Allán and Aizat all share the same dream: to build a world in which all human beings are equal.
From South Africa to Japan, from Morocco to Serbia, from Samoa to Mexico and Kyrgyzstan, the seven are young human rights educators who work in their communities to inspire young people to take action and promote human rights.
They are the protagonists of a documentary called “Changemakers: stories of young human rights educators,” which was released to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Co-produced by UN Human Rights, Amnesty International and Soka Gakkai International, the film pays tribute to young educators who empower other young people to advocate for equality, respect, and dignity for all.
“Human rights education has the power to bring real change and help us identify solutions to today's challenges which are human rights-based,” said Elena Ippoliti, coordinator of Human Rights Education and Training at UN Human Rights.
“These young champions are an inspiring example of how young people can lead and nurture among their peers a culture of human rights to ensure no one is left behind.”
Empowering young people
Irfaan Mangera grew up in post-apartheid South Africa, an experience that made him aware that the fight to end injustice is not over. While the political system that institutionalized the racial segregation no longer exists, its legacy lives on in the form of racism, classism and social-economic exclusion, he said.
“The triple threat to South Africa's future today is unemployment, poverty and inequality, and these are the results of the huge legacy of apartheid that excluded people,” said Irfaan, a community activist from the township of Lenasia, south of Johannesburg.
Irfaan, a member of the Indian South African community, spearheaded the creation of the National Youth Coalition to build a space for young people to fight racism and bring systemic change.
“Human rights education gives us a framework to empower young people to understand their rights and to protect and promote them so we can achieve the goal of equality,” he said.
Aiki Matsukura combats sexual exploitation of children, a taboo subject in Japan. Aiki provides support to survivors of sexual exploitation and raises awareness through campaigns using manga and videos, and through talks at schools and companies.
“When your human rights have been violated you lose the power and the strength you have. My job is to help young people bring that strength and worth back that they already have within them,” said Aiki.
“For me human rights education is to encourage one another, specially to encourage someone to believe in their own potential and worth.”
Liberation of speech
Soufiane Hennani, an activist for gender equality and gender diversity from Rabat, is the creator of a popular youth-oriented podcast called Machi Rojola that challenges unequal gender roles and promotes positive masculinities in Morocco.
Soufiane, a laureate of the Arab Foundation for Freedom and Equality's social change program, said the podcast is a space of liberation of speech, where guests can talk about issues such as diversity, acceptance and human rights.
“You have to create an environment for young people to express themselves because these young people are the adults of tomorrow. Being part of a network of young people who do human rights education that promote human rights is an opportunity and a hope,” he said.
For Dejana Stošić from Belgrade speaking out is also a form of liberation.
Dejana, who works with young women to fight gender-based violence and sexual violence, created in 2021 a twitter hashtag called #NisamPrijavila (#IdidntReport), where she explained why she did not report a case of sexual violence. In just three days, more than 21,000 women across Serbia used the hashtag to tell their stories about the violence they survived but never reported.
“One of the hardest things in life is to be a girl and have a voice because everybody wants to shush you,” said Dejana, co-founder of SOS Girls Corner project, which won a With and for Girls award for best project for girls.
“I encourage girls to believe that they are worthy and capable of doing whatever they want and to stand up and use their voice to change the system we live in and to be equal to everyone.”
Maselina Iuta, an activist for the rights of persons with disabilities, remembers vividly the barriers she faced as a deaf school girl in a rural village in Samoa. That difficult experience, however, helped her find her mission in life.
“Where I was growing up there were no schools with sign language, so I did not understand what my teacher was saying and I fell behind. I don't want future deaf children to go through what I went through,” she said.
Maselina is a founding member of the Deaf Association of Samoa, an organization led by deaf and hearing-impaired persons that advocates for the development of inclusive opportunities, policies and legislation for deaf and hearing-impaired people in Samoa.
“Many people in the deaf community don't know they also have rights to education, to work and to experience respect, so I work to help them understand they do have equal rights,” said Maselina, who is now attending university in Fiji.
Guided by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, she works with local and national stakeholders to address barriers for deaf people.
“Many people in the non-deaf community think that because we don't talk we don't know or we don't feel or we don't have dreams,” she said.
Equality for all
For Allán Sánchez Osorio, an activist for the rights of children and young people in situations of vulnerability, awareness of one's rights has the power to prevent human rights abuses.
“Unfortunately, not many people globally know their rights and that lack of knowledge can lead many to suffer human rights violations,” said Allán, founder of Fundación Efecto Valores, an NGO that promotes human rights education for children without parental care and who live in areas with high rates of violence.
“Human rights education can prevent human rights violations and also point to mechanisms for people to turn to in case of violations.”
From Kyrgyzstan, Aizat Ruslanova implements educational projects for teenagers to promote women's rights to address gender-based violence against women.
Aizat, who is the executive director of the regional youth organisation IDEA Central Asia, said finding the right language to talk about human rights is a challenge. Words like human rights, gender equality or feminism can be perceived negatively in Kyrgyzstan because they are new, she said, so she also uses art to communicate messages about women's rights.
“I am proud to be a human rights educator because we give young people a very cool tool to change their lives and develop their country.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Scammers using SIU name to solicit money
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it has received several reports of individuals purporting to be Head of the SIU, Advocate Andy Mothibi, or his representatives.
The scammers are reportedly going around soliciting money from public representatives, office bearers, and members of the judiciary.
The reports have been received in the North West and Free State provinces this week, prompting the SIU to issue a public warning.
“The SIU conducts its investigations with integrity and professionalism.
“We never ask for money from subjects of investigations or anyone linked to our work. Members of the public are urged to be vigilant, verify information, and not to fall victim to imposters claiming to be Adv. Mothibi,” said the SIU in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Thu, 12/28/2023 - 10:39
City cautions against challenging sea conditions
With the full moon, stronger rip currents and possible swells, the City of Cape Town has cautioned beachgoers to exercise extreme caution.
The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department on Wednesday urged beachgoers to be particularly alert over the coming days.
With the arrival of the full moon, stronger rip currents and bigger sea swells are likely to be prevalent.
Lifeguards and ancillary services have had a busy few days in spite of the very windy conditions around the peninsula.
The only major incident involving bathers that was recorded over the past few days was a mass rescue at Monwabisi Beach, with three non-fatal drownings.
The patients were transported to Khayelitsha hospital for medical treatment.
According to City records, there have been four fatal drownings of bathers since 1 December 2023.
“It is of concern that all of the fatal drownings took place outside of designated bathing areas, or outside of lifeguard duty hours. We request the public to continue to swim only where and when lifeguards are on duty, between their red and yellow flags. Please also take heed of the warnings about rip currents and stronger swells in the days ahead.
“We are determined to provide safe spaces for our beachgoers, but we need the public to play their part too,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia Van der Ross.
In terms of the Identikidz project, there were no challenges experienced over the past long weekend. Staff have tagged 48 957 children since the start of the project in mid-December, 65 of whom were reunited with their caregivers.
Over the Christmas long weekend, 5 095 children were tagged at Strand Beach, 3 715 at Muizenberg and 3 237 at Strandfontein.
The Identikidz project was established in 2016 by the City of Cape Town and is aimed at promoting child safety at beaches across Cape Town during the festive season. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Thu, 12/28/2023 - 10:52
Relief for Ladysmith flood victims
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has offered support to the families of the flood victims in Ladysmith.
Heavy rains on Christmas Eve resulted in the Bellspruit River - which runs under the Mbonothu Bridge – bursting its banks, causing water to overflow onto the N11 road near the Limit Hill robots, in Ladysmith Town.
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Nomusa Dube-Ncube has extended her condolences to the families of the flood victims in the province.
Seven people have lost their lives in the province following heavy rains.
This figure includes six people who died when a riverbank collapsed in Ladysmith, and in a separate incident, the body of an 8-year old child was discovered in Mandeni on Tuesday.
“On behalf of the provincial government, we would like to send our condolences to the families of the victims. The MEC for Cooperative Governance Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has already been on the ground to assess the damage and meet with the families,” said the Premier.
She visited the scene on Wednesday to oversee the distribution of disaster relief and monitor the ongoing search and rescue operations.
The MEC said provincial government will offer support to the families of the flood victims in Ladysmith.
“We met with the families of the victims and reassured them that government will provide full support during this distressing period,” said Sithole-Moloi.
The search and rescue teams have been intensified and will work tirelessly in their efforts to find the missing victims.
As of Wednesday, the search and rescue teams led by the SAPS K9 Unit, along with IPSS Medical Rescue and the Al-Imdaad Foundation for Disaster Response, intensified their search efforts in the Ladysmith area.
This after the number of missing individuals continues to rise.
Sithole-Moloi paid a visit to the Msimango family in the Rossboom area, a few kilometres from Ladysmith Town. The Msimango family lost six of its members, with three being discovered while the other three remain among those missing.
She further led the delegation of disaster teams that distributed disaster relief, including blankets, mattresses and essential amenities, to those who have lost everything.
"As a department, we have been providing assistance to all the affected families in collaboration with our disaster response partners.
“We are joined by various departments such as Human Settlements and Social Development, with representatives from the National Department also present. We wish to assure the affected families that we will stand by them throughout this difficult period.
“Counselling services will be made available, and preparations for the burials of those who have passed away are underway. Moreover, we want to assure the families that we will exert every effort to locate those who are still missing,” said the MEC.
As standard procedure, the disaster management teams will continue their assessments, working closely with all municipalities in the province.
Home Affairs and Social Development Department have been called in to provide support where some families have lost personal documents. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Thu, 12/28/2023 - 12:48
After more than a decade running one of Africa's most influential law firms, covering all aspects of the oil and natural gas sector, NJ Ayuk has announced that he will not make another long-term commitment to Centurion Law Group and will step down.
“I am proud of my work as Centurion's CEO – we have been able to build a historic relationship with African governments, oil and gas entrepreneurs and international energy companies working in Africa. We have hired, trained and developed more African lawyers than any other law firm in Africa. We became the first African law firm to be listed on the German Stock Exchange and have spearheaded an audacious, on-demand legal service business model in Africa,” stated Mr. Ayuk.
“I have fought the good fight, I have run the race and I have kept the faith. I believe it is time to pass the torch to the next generation that can take the firm to the next level, and I have full confidence that Zion Adeoye and his team will be able to achieve this. It also grants me much-needed time to focus on my family, the work of the African Energy Chamber and other entrepreneurial ventures and causes in which I believe,” he concluded.
Mr. Ayuk has been named one of world's top energy lawyers by Who's Who Legal, one of top 10 most influential Africans by Forbes, and one of the top 100 personalities transforming Africa by French magazine, Financial Afrik.
Zion Adeoye will be appointed as CEO of Centurion Law Group, after serving as Managing Director under Mr. Ayuk for many years. Mr. Adeoye holds an LLB from Nigeria's University of Ibadan, an LLM from Columbia University in the City of New York and an MBA from the University of Dundee, Scotland.
“Mr. Ayuk's work in building one of the finest law firms in Africa, as well as his ability to serve clients, solve disputes and close complex transactions, cannot go unnoticed. All of the employees and clients of this firm cannot thank Mr. Ayuk enough for his leadership and dedication,” he stated.
“Working with Mr. Ayuk, our team has accomplished what few gave us the chance – important legal and public policy victories across Africa, deal after deal for entrepreneurs, winning tough legal cases in complex jurisdictions while enforcing the rule of law, opening new markets and instilling in Africans the belief that African lawyers can do great things,” concluded Mr. Adeoye.
During his time at Centurion, Mr. Adeoye has demonstrated a relentless pursuit of excellence and made outstanding contributions to the firm's growth. As a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in energy law, he has played a pivotal role in securing favorable outcomes for clients across the continent.
Mr. Adeoye is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Association of Independent Petroleum Negotiators. Before joining Centurion in 2017, he served in various roles at the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited, KPMG Nigeria, Terra Cotta Legal, Olaniwun Ajayi LP, Templars Law and Transnational Energy Group, and has been instrumental in the reform of oil and gas legislation across several African markets.
Mr. Adeoye was additionally awarded an ESQ 40 under 40 Lawyer Award at the Nigerian Rising Stars Awards for shaping the future of the legal profession in the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
About Centurion Law Group:
Centurion (www.CenturionLG.com) is a leading pan-African legal and energy advisory group with extensive experience in the oil and gas sector. The group provides outsourced legal representation and covers a full suite of practice areas for its clients, including arbitration and commercial litigation, corporate law, tax and anti-corruption advisory and contract negotiation. Centurion specializes in assisting clients that are starting or growing a business in Africa with offices and Affiliates in Ghana, Cameroon, Canada, Germany, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, South Sudan, Nigeria, Gabon, Angola and Senegal.
Celebrating SA’s firefighters
South Africa’s deployment of firefighters internationally this year, has yet again proven that our country’s ability for wildfire firefighting is becoming more and more recognised.
“Our multiple deployments to Canada in 2023, is a vote of confidence in our wildfire firefighting capacity and abilities. We must be extremely proud of our deployees who have been selected,” Working on Fire Managing Director Trevor Abrahams told SAnews.
Working on Fire (WoF) has had four deployments of firefighters and management to Canada since June 2023.
Abrahams who was the leader of the first group to head to Canada on 3 June, said 2023 has been Canada’s worst fires season in recorded history. The north American country has had over 6330 fires which have destroyed at least 17 hectares of forest.
Working on Fire is an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) aimed at providing work opportunities to young men and women. It resides under and is funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Asked about the process followed prior to the deployment of teams, Abrahams said firefighters and management within WoF were given an opportunity to apply to be placed provided that they met the minimum criteria.
The criteria that firefighters needed to meet included being in possession of a valid passport; being qualified with a minimum of three-years of firefighting experience, as well as being in possession of a valid yellow card.
A yellow card in South Africa indicates that one has undergone recurrency certification and is fit to be on the fire line and trained in the use of Canadian water pump machines.
All WoF teams were assembled in Mbombela in Mpumalanga at the Kishugu Training Academy, where they underwent a three-day refresher training camp prior to departure.
This year’s deployment was the fifth collaboration between South Africa and Canada in terms of the exchange of personnel. Previous deployments to Canada were in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2021.
Memorandum of Understanding and deployment
The deployment of South African wildland firefighters to Canada came in response to a request for assistance from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) in terms of the existing emorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the governments of the two countries.
Signed in 2019, the MOU provides for the exchange of wildland fire management resources between the two countries.
Working on Fire has had four deployments totalling 860 firefighters and management to Canada since June and Abrahams whose team returned on 8 July 2023, said South African firefighters received “huge” praise from Canadian wildfire authorities as well as other international firefighters who were deployed in Canada.
Bringing the fiery South African soul to camp
“Our firefighters were lauded for their energy, their strong work ethic and observance of safety measures on the fire line, as well as for the way they have accustomed themselves to the conditions in Canada, where wildland firefighting conditions are different from what they were used to in South Africa.”
He added that the 2023 deployment was the largest ever with 30% of the deployed personnel being women.
The teams were hailed for their commitment and atmosphere they brought to the firefighting camps.
“Their infectious spirit, witnessed through viral videos on social media, ignited international curiosity about these dedicated South Africans who journeyed thousands of kilometres to confront Canada's wildfire challenge.”
He adds that firefighters from the United States, Australia, France, Mexico, South Korea and Portugal among others, joined in the firefighting efforts.
He said the South African firefighters’ dancing and singing prior to going to the fire line and when returning in the afternoons had made them a great hit.
“This rich harmony of our firefighters who come from all over South Africa, with different languages and cultural practices, has also served as an inspiration for many Canadians. Singing and dancing is part of our tradition and even at wildfires in South Africa. Our firefighters are doing this as part of preparing themselves mentally for the day’s work and to show unity and commitment. It serves to uplift them but also importantly, to raise the morale of the communities and land owners where they go to fight wildfires.”
A different terrain
As the second largest country in the world and one of the world’s most forested countries, Canada's “massive fires are quite different from what we are used to fight in South Africa,” Abrahams said.
“In South Africa, wildland fires are typically much smaller than those seen in Canada and without nearly as much fuel, and they're usually fought by firefighters carrying backpacks with 20 liters of water and tankers nearby to resupply them. Fire beaters and rakes are also a common part of the equipment carried by South African firefighters during wildland fires here at home.
“Fuel loads are also quite different as in South Africa our firefighters encounter mostly fynbos, veld, grassland, and vegetation fires, as well as forest fires in commercial plantations, whereas in Canada, it is the forest fires which are the predominant fuel which is burning,” he explained.
In addition, Canada arms its firefighters with more advanced and detailed weather forecasts, and with information on moisture content in vegetation, to predict fire behaviour at any point in time. The Incident commanders also use infrared scans to identify hot spots — technology not routinely used in South Africa.
“Canadian fires also have different features from fires in South Africa, with smoldering peat fires that can burn below ground in the Canada woods. Safety risks are also different in that the shallow plate root system of Canadian arboreal forests results in huge trees toppling over after fires have affected their shallow root system.”
He adds that the Canadian deployments have become routine enough that Working on Fire trains its firefighters in how to operate a particular pump that is a fixture in fighting Canadian fires, but little used back home.
“Our firefighters adjusted to these differences fast, and our crews are divided into smaller teams who work in different areas, and we team experienced firefighters with those new to Canada.
“While South Africa’s wildland fires do not (yet) take on the dimensions of some of the fires experienced in Canada, the experience in being deployed amongst international teams results in learning how to fight mega fires; learning different weather patterns; learning different techniques when dealing with ‘fuel types’ not experienced in South Africa,” he said.
Climate change
Asked about how climate change is affecting the work of firefighters, Abrahams said the Canadian wildfires and the deadly and catastrophic wildfires seen in Maui (Hawaii), Algeria, and Europe and those seen in the North West and Free State provinces are “sounding alarm bells on the growing risks posed by global warming and climate change and warning governments across the world to put in place wildfire risk reduction measures.”
His comments come amidst the recent fires that hit Simon’s Town and the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM).
“With global warming propelling climate change, temperatures will rise over the next couple of decades which will lead to dryer conditions, and this will lead to more frequent fires fuelled by hotter conditions as temperatures rise.
“Meteorologists and weather experts have all concluded that a combination of climate change and the global weather phenomenon El Niño is believed to be contributing to these extreme weather events.”
He added that South Africa has not and will not be spared these impacts of climate change.
“The 2022 catastrophic and unprecedented flooding experienced in KwaZulu Natal has been widely attributed in part to the impact of climate change.
“The 2023 released UN [United Nations] Environment programme (UNEP) study on climate change, ‘Spreading Like Wildfire’ suggests that the increase in extreme wildland fires is likely to grow by 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050 and 50% by the end of the century,” he adds.
“It is our belief that these successful 2023 Canadian deployments will go a long way in ensuring that our firefighters and management are more capable and ready to respond to mega wildfire threats in South Africa.” - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 12/28/2023 - 11:18
1708 healthy Christmas babies delivered this year
The country’s public health facilities safely delivered 1708 healthy babies on Christmas Day this year as compared to 1414 delivered in 2022, says the Department of Health.
This number consists of 840 baby boys and 868 baby girls.
“The Department of Health congratulates the health workers, especially the midwives, for the successful and safe delivery of these bundles of joy, and wishes all parents, including more than 145 teen mothers all the best throughout parenting journey,” said the department in a statement.
The department is currently scaling up human milk banking for the survival and healthy growth of babies born to mothers who are unable to breastfeed to ensure no baby is deprived of nutritious breastmilk.
The number of newborns per province is as follows:
Eastern Cape - 221
North West - 121
KwaZulu-Natal - 255
Limpopo - 209
Mpumalanga - 161
Free State - 76
Western Cape - 231
Northern Cape - 47
Gauteng – 387
- SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Thu, 12/28/2023 - 10:58
South Africa century-maker Dean Elgar said on Wednesday that his animated celebrations upon reaching 100 against India on the second day of the first Test were due to him finally getting his name on the honours board that is mounted on the interior of the Centurion home changeroom. Elgar, who plays his domestic cricket for …
Kagiso Rabada was given the mandate to chase wickets for South Africa and he did just that on the first day of their two-Test cricket series against India in Centurion on Tuesday. The new-ball bowler produced outstanding figures of 5-44 in 17 overs as he reduced India to 208-8 when bad light followed by rain …
BENONI: Records tumbled as Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits notched up match-winning centuries to help guide the Proteas Women to an...
Motorists urged to be cautious when driving in wet weather
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has advised motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving in rainy conditions.
This as the South African Weather Services has forecast rain in many parts of the country.
Some travellers are expected to start making it back from their holidays and the roads are expected to see a slight increase in traffic volumes from today.
“The RTMC urges motorists to reduce speed, keep a safe following distance, have lights on and avoid crossing flooded bridges. Motorists must also ensure that vehicles are in a roadworthy state.
"Lights, wipers, windscreens, brakes, and tyres must be checked before the start of the journey.”
The RTMC said officers will “not hesitate to discontinue or impound vehicles that are not roadworthy”.
More than 1738 vehicles have been discontinued and 3340 impounded since the start of the festive season in December.
More than 4160 motorists have been arrested. The majority were held for drunken driving while others were detained for producing false documents and driving public transport contrary to operating permits.
Vehicles are generally discontinued or suspended for being unroadworthy and they may not be operated on public roads until all identified defects have been fixed. The act of discontinuing a motor vehicle involves the removal and destruction of its licence disc or roadworthy certificate disc and issuing a notice directing that the motor vehicle shall not be operated on a public road. The notice stipulates conditions in which such a vehicle may be operated on a public road.
“Public transport operators are again reminded that their drivers should have proper documents to drive, and the vehicles are used on permitted routes and are not overloaded.
“Severe consequences will be faced by those found operating contrary to the rules,” said the RTMC. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 12/27/2023 - 10:01
King’s Children’s Home just outside East London is a safe house that provides a temporary home and place of safety for abused and abandoned babies and young children. Founded in 2008 by Tracy and Jonathan King, who run the local Crossways church in the area, King’s Children’s Home has positively impacted the lives of many …
Durban, a vibrant coastal city in South Africa, offers residents a range of options when it comes to private prepaid meter suppliers for electricity, gas, and water. These suppliers provide convenient solutions for managing utility consumption, promoting fairness in billing, and empowering residents to take control of their usage. In this article, we will explore …
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 hosted in India smashed broadcast and digital records across the world, making it the biggest World Cup ever. The event, which saw Australia crowned champions for the sixth time, registered a record 1 trillion global live viewing minutes of broadcast, which included new technological innovations such as the …
Five nabbed for illegal mining in Limpopo
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged members of the public to report illegal mining activities after five undocumented foreign nationals were arrested in Limpopo.
The police arrested the five suspects, aged between 19 and 34 years, on 24 December at Selwane Village (under the Lulekani policing area) for illegal mining.
Members of the Mopani Illegal Mining Task Team arrived at the old mining shaft in Selwane and found a group of people in the act of illegal mining.
“As the police were approaching the suspects, one of them opened fire on the police as he returned underground. Police managed to arrest the four suspects and started searching for the one who went underground. He was eventually arrested but the firearm could not be found,” said SAPS in a statement.
The suspects were found in possession of picks, spades, an iron digging bar, shovels and torches. One bag containing suspected precious minerals was also confiscated.
In addition, members of the Mopani Illegal Mining Task Team have recovered and seized various abandoned mining equipment, groceries, and cooking utensils in the area, which indicated there are other illegal miners in the area.
The Limpopo Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrest and hailed the team's endless efforts.
On Sunday, police said the arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Lulekani Magistrate's Court in due course, facing charges of illegal mining, attempted murder and contravention of the Immigration Act.
Members of the community can report illegal mining activities to Crime Stop on 08600 10111, their nearest police station or use the My SAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Wed, 12/27/2023 - 10:14
Johannesburg, the vibrant economic hub of South Africa, is home to a variety of private prepaid meter suppliers. These suppliers offer convenient solutions for managing electricity, gas, and water consumption. By opting for private prepaid meters, residents can take control of their utility usage, promote fairness in billing, and enjoy the convenience of managing their …
Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa, is a bustling city that requires efficient utility services. To meet the needs of residents, several private prepaid meter suppliers have emerged in Bloemfontein. These suppliers offer private prepaid electricity, gas, and water meters, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to manage and control utility consumption. In this …
Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, is a vibrant city in South Africa. As the demand for efficient and convenient utility services grows, private prepaid meter suppliers have emerged to meet the needs of residents. These suppliers offer private prepaid electricity, gas, and water meters, providing a hassle-free way to manage and control utility consumption. …
Tourism monitors deployed to Table Mountain
The deployment of 40 tourism monitors at the Table Mountain National Park has been welcomed by the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille.
The Tourism Monitors Programme is an initiative by the Department of Tourism to supplement safety and security measures by the South African Police Service to enhance the safety of tourists.
“The department has set aside R174.5 million from this year’s budget to deploy around 2 300 tourism monitors at key tourist attractions,” said the department.
The 2 305 tourism monitors will be deployed as follows:
Eastern Cape - 150
Free State - 150
Western Cape - 250
Gauteng - 100
Limpopo - 100
KwaZulu-Natal - 200
Mpumalanga - 220
North West - 100
Northern Cape - 70
iSimangaliso Wetland Park - 200
Ezemvelo nature Reserve - 150
SANBI Gardens - 130
ACSA Airports - 135
SANParks - 350
Out of the 350 monitors deployed to SANParks, 70 were allocated to Table Mountain National Park, of which 40 were deployed last week. The balance will be deployed in the New Year.
“Our national parks are key tourism attractions and remain top of our list for key source markets. The safety of all tourists remains paramount and we are determined to do all we can to ensure that all tourists have a safe and memorable experience.” – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 12/27/2023 - 10:24
Here are some private prepaid electricity, gas, and water meter suppliers in Cape Town: Prepaid Electricity Meter Suppliers in Cape Town: Straton Electrical: A reputable online supplier of private prepaid electricity and water meters in South Africa and Cape Town. They specialize in the installation of pre-paid meters in properties across Nelson Mandela Bay AND …
Condolences for Ladysmith flood victims
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Nomusa Dube-Ncube has sent condolences to the families of those affected by the floods in Ladysmith.
Heavy rains on Christmas Eve resulted in the Bellspruit River - which runs under the Mbonothu Bridge – bursting its banks, causing water to overflow onto the N11 road near the Limit Hill robots, in Ladysmith Town.
The provincial government said six people were killed and 10 others are missing.
Search and rescue teams are on the ground searching the area.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of victims who lost their lives,'' said the Premier. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 12/27/2023 - 10:50